Sprinter inspires budding athletes

A world class sprinter was in town to offer tips to budding young Olympic hopefuls in Eton on Sunday.

Top Brit Mark Lewis Francis, who won Olympic gold in the 100m relay at Athens in 2004, was ruled out of contention in Beijing because of a foot injury.

But he was on hand to help the next generation of athletes at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre in Pococks Lane.

Ryan Vittles, duty manager at the centre, said that both Mark and the children enjoyed themselves as they knuckled down to some light-hearted training.

"The kids all look up to him," he said. "They know exactly who he is and they are in awe of him. It's good for them to have someone like him as their role model."

The powerful athlete, who inspired Team GB to relay glory in Greece, helped the 40 or so youngsters with technique across various track and field events.

Athletics experts and football coaches from Adidas were also giving advice at the sporty session on Sunday.